Speaking last week at a seminar before the publication of the government's interim Digital Britain report at the end of the month, the minister for communications, technology and broadcasting, Lord Carter, described the digital communications sector as 'a ray of light in a gloomy sky'.
He pointed to an expected fall of up to 12% in UK adspend in 2009, adding that it was 'not surprising' that the government looked to alternative funding for creative industries.
Carter added that the Digital Britain report would set out the UK's ambitions for a unified digital infrastructure. 'Digital infrastructure is important,' he said. 'The only debate is how we get there.'
He also claimed that the switchover to digital TV had been well-received by consumers because a positive action plan had been put in place. He added that the government could look at what it has learned from this and ask what else it could get out of digital education.
Carter said access to digital services for all should not just be a soundbite, but part of the government's manifesto. However, he was concerned about public media literacy and access to content.
.jpg)
.jpg)